Aspire to Lead cover art

Aspire to Lead

Aspire to Lead

Written by: Joshua Stamper
Listen for free

About this listen

 Joshua Stamper provides an opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced and accomplished educational leaders. As we grow in our leadership skills, it’s imperative to learn from other leader’s successes, trials and misconceptions. Join us each week as my guests provide valuable stories, resources, and advice to enhance your leadership journey.All rights reserved Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Aspire Mailbag: EQ Over Ego & Navigating School Politics

    Aspire Mailbag: EQ Over Ego & Navigating School Politics
    Feb 21 2026

    Aspiring leaders asked: How do you lead with emotional intelligence (EQ) instead of ego, and navigate school politics without getting burned? In this bonus Aspire Mailbag with Jeff Gargas (COO, Teach Better), Joshua Stamper dives into self-awareness, empathy, humility, and building feedback loops to ditch ego-driven decisions for people-first leadership.​

    They also tackle the politics game: map power dynamics, build advisory circles, watch before acting, and strategically invite influencers to witness your wins—without losing your authenticity. Perfect for teachers eyeing admin roles or current leaders refining their approach. Plus, Jeff shares updates on the Teach Better Academy relaunch.

    Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua StamperFollow Jeff Gargas:
    1. Twitter:https://twitter.com/jeffgargas
    2. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/

    Follow Joshua Stamper:
    1. Contact:https://joshstamper.com/contact/
    2. Twitter:www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper
    3. Instagram:www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper
    4. Linkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper
    5. Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast
    6. Subscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2

    Follow The Teach Better Team:
    1. Twitter:https://twitter.com/teachbetterteam
    2. Website:https://www.teachbetter.com/
    3. Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/teachbetterteam
    4. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/teachbetterteam
    5. The Teach Better Podcast:
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • 269. The Science of School Discipline: Featuring Nathan Maynard

    269. The Science of School Discipline: Featuring Nathan Maynard
    Feb 13 2026
    What happens when discipline shifts from punishment to teaching? In this important conversation, Joshua Stamper and Nathan Maynard unpack the ideas behind Nathan’s new book The Science of Discipline, exploring how schools can move from compliance-driven systems to accountable, trauma-informed practices that actually change behavior. Nathan shares what he has learned working with struggling schools in all 50 states, why generic consequences fail, and how to design clear, sustainable discipline frameworks that support educators while honoring each student’s uniqueness and neurodiversity. About Nathan Maynard Nathan Maynard is best known for translating complex human behavior into practical systems that educators can use under real-world pressure. He is a leading voice in the global movement to reimagine school discipline with 17 years experience working in complex learning environments. Through his writings and hands-on work across most of the US and 30+ countries, he helps educators with a question he has obsessively tried to solve: what actually makes discipline work in schools. His work has influenced schools and systems worldwide, offering a clear alternative to fear-based models that no longer serve educators or society. He is the author of Science of Discipline, Hacking School Discipline, and the founder of Highfive- an award winning school discipline program. Nathan has worked with thousands of schools globally, opened up alternative school programming across the US, is a guest lecturer, and serves on the board for a non profit that does restorative prison re-entry programming. He is passionate about helping educators better understand their students and students to understand social norms, empathy, accountability, and feel a sense of belonging. Follow Nathan Maynard: Website: https://www.highfive.school/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highfive.k12/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-maynard-6849827a/ New Book: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Discipline-Strategies-Empowering-Educators/dp/1394253508?crid=MO1MKJ88912F&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LZhdDMB-lD-vX6jMl5cZsFlBRK0OWlBIBUN1DVfMw-FnQ5W2lIP3y_Ja1NxwWAyB.dMNTyF93PqpEUCba2LuyI5iVEjrOOmTpydoayxjbxJ8&dib_tag=se&keywords=nathan+maynard+science&qid=1771205872&sprefix=nathan+maynard+science%2Caps%2C246&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=d0c48cd8bb72791b23b3dc8afcf20bcc&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl -- NEW Aspire to Lead Cohort: Join the March 1st Launch Ready to move from teacher to administrator? The Aspire to Lead Cohort is a monthly leadership program designed for educators pursuing administrative roles. Get expert training, peer accountability, interview prep, and a clear roadmap to advance your career. December 1st cohort launching soon. Limited spots available. READY TO JOIN? Apply for the Aspire to Lead Cohort:...
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • 368. Every Child Deserves a Team: Featuring Kurtis Hewson

    368. Every Child Deserves a Team: Featuring Kurtis Hewson
    Feb 8 2026

    How can schools ensure every student benefits from collective expertise without overwhelming teachers with endless meetings? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper talks with Kurtis Hewson, co author of Collaborative Response and co founder of Jigsaw Learning, about a school wide model that replaces fragmented teams with purposeful, layered collaborative structures centered on data, evidence, and a clear continuum of supports.​

    Kurtis explains how to shift from “tiering students” to “tiering supports,” where Tier 1 defines non negotiable universal practices, Tier 2 offers classroom based options, and higher tiers coordinate beyond classroom resources without labeling kids. He breaks down the game changing collaborative team meeting format that reduces overall meetings by adding one intentional space where teachers share celebrations, generate solutions for common issues, and build capacity across the building.

    About Kurtis Hewson Kurtis Hewson is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, author and professional learning facilitator. In addition to being an award-winning teacher, vice-principal, and principal, he has also served as faculty at the post-secondary level. With over a decade of experience as an administrator, Kurtis has championed the call for collaborative structures in schools to ensure success for all students. He is the co-founder of Jigsaw Learning, a co-author of the best-selling text Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners (Corwin, 2022), and currently works with districts and schools nationally and internationally establishing Collaborative Response frameworks and interacting with thousands of educators annually. Follow Kurtis Hewson Website: https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecollaborativeleader Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow https://www.amazon.com/Collaborative-Response-Foundational-Components-Transform/dp/1071862812?crid=286SG3M5LIFZ2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.COivoRyBayRyg98CF1nUp0wIGkcj6xAwY5RP-bXiljANMuhIlNp5yNmlxfYYkvus9PLLI5rHRlRm1H2ZJNctezuGhCuhUPcvlwwQfngmy4vzyj_pPWxNv4DnCuex0TRf8-2eD4974mErzUgo6qqGDKunnUYsx0sP6IQRmrBSfZKtP85fi3K7h0eCxe6m2ODp307_uSD3AVFAMhDQphAo6uPSsdw3IxuXpudOzzXVxQ4.zIN_MeMg2EqihqQ19pGF1Smr1GQCE--maHoXdTi514k&dib_tag=se&keywords=collaborative+response+book&qid=1770575346&sprefix=collaborative+response+boo%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=262419187aea54eed9fb270c0d00eb8e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl FREE Webinar - The Language of Behavior School leaders, don't miss this free webinar Thursday, Feb 12 at 12pm ET to equip your staff with better tools for student behaviors. Register here: https://thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/webinarfeb2026 -- NEW Aspire to Lead Cohort: Join the March 1st Launch Ready to move from teacher to administrator? The Aspire to Lead Cohort is a monthly leadership program designed for educators pursuing administrative roles. Get expert training, peer accountability, interview prep, and a clear
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
No reviews yet